New Hearts deal for midfielder Miguel Pallardo

BARRY ANDERSON

Spanish midfielder Miguel Pallardo signed a new one-year contract with Hearts today.

Terms have been agreed to extend Pallardo’s stay at Tynecastle and he has now pledged his future to the Edinburgh club after an impressive first season.

The 28-year-old signed up for another 12 months as Hearts prepare to return to the Scottish Premiership. With Pallardo an influential presence in midfield, they won the Championship by 21 points from Hibs and are now aiming for a top-six place in next year’s top flight.

Supporters have warmed to the Spaniard due to his consistently high level of performance and will be delighted to see him sign a new deal. He arrived in Scotland as a free agent last September after leaving Levante in his homeland. He has also enjoyed spells with Valencia and Getafe and is a former Spanish Under-21 internationalist.

He initially signed a contract with Hearts until the end of the season. That agreement has now expired but he will remain an integral part of the team for next year. Negotiations between Hearts officials and Pallardo’s representatives had been ongoing for several months. With the talking now finished, the player has put pen to paper on his new contract.

He will compete for a midfield place alongside Morgaro Gomis, Prince Buaben and Kenny Anderson next season. Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson also hopes to recruit four or five new players to supplement his squad for the new campaign. A centre-back, a left-back and a striker are high on his priority list and he was in Spain last week speaking to two signing targets.